Professional skateboarder Vallely signs with Whalers

John Saward, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Published 11:56 pm, Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Though Danbury Whalers general manager Herm Sorcher conceded that some of his eagerness to sign professional skateboarder Mike Vallely was based on the promotional ammunition it would give the upstart Federal Hockey League franchise, he also spent much of Wednesday afternoon's conference call lauding Vallely's work ethic and devotion to the game of hockey.

Vallely is just happy to fulfill a dream he's had since he was a teenager. Proving his wife wrong after all these years doesn't hurt either.

"When I was 20 years old I started playing ice hockey somewhat serious," said Vallely. "I remember saying to my wife if I had started playing earlier I could have played professionally. I had the right make-up, right character. And she looked at me and said `Well, you can forget that.' It sort of bothered me. Every dream I've ever had I've actualized it. I've made it a reality. Those were stinging words from my wife. They stuck with me."

Vallely, who turns 40 on June 29, is considered one of the pioneers of street skating. He began skateboarding when he was 14, had his own sponsor by the time he was 16, and shortly thereafter was touring professionally. He is a punk rock enthusiast, has appeared as a character in the Tony Hawk videogame series, and has had small roles in a few movies, including "The Hangover" and "Paul Blart: Mall Cop."

"I want to generate publicity for the team," said Sorcher. "The reality for Mike is he has a legion of fans and followers. Mike has to come to camp and make this team, he's not going to get a roster exemption. If he can accomplish that, it brings an entirely new demographic to our team."

Added Whalers coach Chris Fiorrilo, "Like anything, hockey's a sport that requires tremendous discipline; it's a big commitment. Mike being pro athlete certainly demonstrated that. With his passion, his work eithic, we have lot of faith in what he's doing."

Less than a year ago, during the Three Stars presentation after a Ducks game, Anaheim's Scott Neidermayer tossed a stick over the glass, intended for Vallely's daughter. Another man tried to grab the stick, and when he did Vallely grabbed the man and delivered a couple ferocious punches.

Vallely, brash and intense with colorful tattoos all over his arms, brings a tenacity that has been embraced by Danbury Mad Hatters and Danbury Trashers fans in years past.

"Hockey a physical sport, and fighting is a part of it," said Vallely. "I don't intend to get into a lot of fights at training camp. But I'll do what I have to do, what's required of me from moment to moment."